2023 Term 2 Week 7 Newsletter
Prayer Focus
From the Principal
Tell Them From Me Survey
We had around 80 parents who completed 'Parents in Learning: Tell Them From Me Survey'. The data provided to us from this survey is extremely beneficial in informing strategic direction. 85% of parents said that you feel welcome and safe at school with your child being treated fairly in a Christ-like way. Most parents believe that expectations around school behaviour are clear. You stated however that you would like more opportunities to find out about your child’s learning. Likewise, the students feel the school is safe but one of the areas that requries improvement is to develop a positive attitude to homework. We are planning to re-look at our Homework Policy in Semester 2. Only 40% of students stated that they particpate in extra curricular activities. Next term, we will be initiating a dance club run by Mrs Hayley Evans and a soccer club run by Mrs Sarah Jennings, at lunchtimes for students in Years 3-6.
If you are interested in finding out more about the 'Tell Them from Me Survey' responses, this will be shared at the next Parent Forum meeting on Monday, 31 July at 6.30pm.
No Stopping
Just a friendly reminder that according to the NSW government rules, drivers must not stop or park their vehicle in a No Stopping zone.
No Parking
Parents can only drop-off or pick-up their children in the No Parking zone.
You can stop for less than 2 minutes, if you stay within 3 metres of your vehicle, if you’re:
- dropping-off or picking-up passengers
- loading or unloading items.
Camp Survey
We are currently reviewing our School Camp options and would value your input on our future camps.
Unfortunately for the foreseeable future, Lake Ainsworth is unable to accommodate a Year 6 camp with all three local Catholic Schools. Furthermore with the increased cost of living, there has been a significant rise in camp costs. We would greatly appreciate parental input in order to book camps in future years.
If families could please complete the survey by Friday 16th June it would be greatly appreciated.
Garden
Thank you to Dave, our wonderful groundsman, for revamping our vegatable garden and the continual upkeep of our beautiful gardens.
Caroline Lewis
Principal
Reconciliation Week & NAIDOC Week
Last Friday our Indigenous students led the Reconciliation Week Assembly. This year's theme, 'A Voice For Generations', urges us to think about how we can use our voice to contribute to Reconciliation in our homes, school and community.
On Wednesday, we welcomed local Gumbaynggirr Elders Richard Widders and Deborah Dootson to join our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for morning tea. It was wonderful to listen to their stories and learn from their cultural knowledge. The students will spend time over the next two weeks putting together presentations to share at the Naidoc Week Assembly in Week 10 on Tuesday, 27 June at 9.15.
In addition to the Assembly, One Mob Radio will be broadcasting from St Francis Xavier on Tuesday, June 27 from 7am. All families are invited to attend. Please click on the link below or contact the school office to RSVP by Wednesday, June 21.
SAVE THE DATE - Parent Forum Disco Fundraiser
More details to come!
Katrina Ryan
Assistant Principal Mission
All Things Learning & Teaching
Semester 1 Reports
Reports represent the formal communication of your child's achievements to date. This Semester, reports will be accessible via Compass in Week 10. Please ensure you are familiar with accessing Compass. If you require assistance see the below guide or alternatively please contact the school.
The report format for 2023 has changed somewhat to reflect the changes in the new K-2 English and Mathematics syllabus. In Kindergarten to indicate the level of achievement each student will receive either; working towards, working at, working beyond for each subject area. In Stage 1 the level of achievement will be indicated as Extensive, Thorough, Sound, Basic or Elementary.
For Stages 2 and 3 in Key Learning Areas the use of Extensive, Thorough, Sound and Basic will indicate where the student is working at this point in time. However, there will also be a 5 point common grade scale for overall achievement.
It is important to note that a ‘C’ grade indicates the student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main content. This highlights that the student is working at Stage level and this is a very positive result.
Cyberbullying Day, Friday June 16th
At St Francis Xavier, we believe it is crucial to support children to develop the skills they need to be safe, civil and savvy digital citizens. Unfortunately, cyberbullying can take place and is a damaging aspect of the online world. We want to educate our children about how they can get help if they’re experiencing cyberbullying, as well as how they can help their peers, and be an upstander rather than a bystander.
We have included a link to the the eSafety Commissioner website that unpacks key issues around cyberbullying. In this digital age, it is important that we are all aware of how to be safe online.
New K-2 Syllabus Updated Parent Guides
Early this term we held a Reading Night for K-2 families, introducing some of the key changes with the New K-2 Syllabus in English and Mathematics. We shared this information at the night and via email to all our families. Since then, the Parent and Carers Guide has been updated.
We are sharing the updated guidelines, as these will be very helpful in understanding subject related language and the key areas that will be reported on at the end of term.
Sharon de Dassel
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Communicating Diversity
As part of English language learning happening across the school, students are provided with many opportunities to engage in a variety of texts that offer a rich context for understanding English. Last week some of our Kindergarten students went on a hunt in the school garden to find evidence of very hungry caterpillars who have been snacking on the plants and leaves. We were excited to find several clues as we learned more about the lifecycle of a caterpillar and how author’s use stories to both teach us and entertain us!
Laura Cooke
Leader of EAL / D
A Focus on Inclusion
Fiona Jupp
Leader of Inclusion
Sporting Roundup
Athletics Carnival
Tomorrow, Friday, 9 June is our Athletics Carnival starting at 9.15am on the lower High Street fields. Please find below the timetable for the day. The timetable is approximate times only and is subject to change.
Parents are welcome to go around to the different events with their children. There is parent parking available at the High Street fields.
Parent volunteers are required to sign in at the school office and collect a lanyard and meet Mrs Jennings at the fields.
Students can wear a red or blue shirt (including sport shirt/Year 6 shirt) to support their house.
Ignatius-blue, MacKillop-red.
The Meal Deal for Friday is a Hotdog with sauce option and a Popper for $6.00. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to order a Meal Deal also. Please order online by 8.30am or at the Canteen by 9am. There will be coffee available at the Canteen for purchase in the morning.
Parents and younger siblings are reminded to stay clear of the running tracks and finish lines. Please remain behind the bunting that will be placed around these areas.
Students who are leaving school before 3.10pm, MUST be signed out either with Mrs Jennings at the Carnival or at the school office.
We are still looking for VOLUNTEERS for the CANTEEN, if you can spare an hour to help out please contact the school office on 66541981 or click on the link below:
Polding Cross Country
All the best to Max Ross, Mia Brown, Eleanor White and Tilda Vary who will be representing the Lismore Diocese at Polding Cross Country next week. We will be cheering for you.
Sarah Jennings
Leader of Sport
Gold Token winners
Well done to all token recipents this week and congratulations to the Gold Token winners!
Canteen News
Canteen Roster
If you would like to volunteer in the Canteen on a Wednesday or a Friday from 9am-10.15am or 10.15am-11.30am please contact the school office on 66541981 or click on the link below.
All volunteers will receive a free morning tea and coffee!
Homemade Sausage Rolls
Due to overwhelming demand, Homemade Sausage Rolls will now be available on Wednesdays. Pasta bolognese, lasagne, fried rice, and mac and cheese are also available. All of these meals are made here on the premises.
Coffee & Conversation
Coffee for Parents with Social Chat will take place tomorrow (Friday, 9 June 8.45-9.15am) instead of Coffee & Conversation due to the Athletics Carnival.
Parent Forum
The next Parent Forum Meeting is on Monday 31 July, 6.30pm in the school library. If you are interested in finding out more about the 'Tell Them from Me Survey' response, this will be shared at this meeting.
